Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life Changing Experience Past Review

By (Biology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/19/2015 to 05/18/2015 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was most definitely worthwhile. I learned that there is much to learn about other cultures and its best to learn about these other traditions, and take what you loved and apply it to your own life. I learned how to look at my own traditions, culture, lifestyle, and see what I can improve on. I learned to appreciate traveling and just overall learning.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The Medical Practice and Policy gave me exposure to aspects of the pre-medical world that I haven't had at my home university. The program immerses you in the medical field with real doctors, real situations, giving its student strong motivation to continue our studies.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I had no problems with the program, everything was very organized, and easy to follow. I never felt like I was lost or couldn't get assistance with something I needed.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved living alone and learning how to be independent - cooking, going grocery shopping, keeping my room clean. It was a great experience, it gave me the feeling of being an adult abroad.

* Food:

Lots of places to eat near school, and food stipend allowed me to buy things at the grocery to cook for myself for the duration of the program.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Program had lots of events to get us to integrate with the Danes. Also having Danish professors was also a great way to become part of the local culture. I also really enjoyed my Danish class - it was the main way I learned about the culture and it gave me space to reflect on my abroad experience.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have an experience with health care, but I did feel safe, and I knew if I had needed assistance I could have easily found it.

* Safety:

Never felt unsafe even late at night. I was always with friends so that helped me feel safe, but even when I was alone, I didn't feel unsafe.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I was smart about what I spent my money on. I spent most of my money traveling but I was able to manage food and personal expenses with the food stipend DIS provided and the rest was just careful monitoring considering that Copenhagen is a very expensive city.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50 each week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan trips ahead, be careful what you buy at the supermarket, and try to budget when you go out with friends because its very easy to overspend. Also, don't spend money on gifts because it will be hard to bring back!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Although fun to learn Danish, there wasn't much of a need to use it because English is such a common language spoken so Danish wasn't needed to communicate.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Definitely a good idea to use Duo-lingo - its a great application to get you familiar with certain items (came in handy at the supermarket). Although everyone speaks English, its nice to be able to recognize signs, menu items, supermarket items, etc. so duo-lingo app is a great way to be prepared for that.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Independence
  • Real World Application in Class
  • Ability to travel
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have known how quickly time was going to pass.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!